Foreclosure Alternative
Short Sales:
A Smarter Exit
When you owe more than your home is worth, a short sale allows you to sell the property for less than the outstanding mortgage balance — with lender approval — and avoid the devastating impact of foreclosure.
What Is a Short Sale?
A short sale occurs when a homeowner sells their property for less than the total amount owed on the mortgage, and the lender agrees to accept the reduced payoff. It is a voluntary process — unlike foreclosure — and gives homeowners far more control over the outcome. In California, short sales are a well-established alternative for homeowners facing financial hardship who want to exit their mortgage responsibly.
Why Choose a Short Sale?
Avoid Foreclosure on Your Record
A short sale is far less damaging to your credit than a completed foreclosure, making it easier to recover financially and qualify for housing in the future.
More Time & Control
Unlike a foreclosure auction, a short sale lets you stay in the home during the process and negotiate a timeline that works for your situation.
Lender Cooperation
Many lenders prefer short sales over foreclosure because they recover more of the loan balance and avoid the lengthy, costly foreclosure process.
Professional Guidance
Our team works directly with your lender on your behalf — handling negotiations, paperwork, and deadlines so you can focus on your next steps.
How the Process Works
Contact Us
Call or text us to discuss your situation. We review your loan balance, property value, and hardship to determine if a short sale is the right path.
List the Property
We list your home on the open market at a competitive price. You remain in the home while we find a qualified buyer.
Submit to Lender
Once we have an offer, we submit a complete short sale package to your lender — including a hardship letter, financial documents, and the purchase agreement.
Lender Approval
The lender reviews and approves the sale. This typically takes 30–90 days. We manage all communication and follow-up on your behalf.
Close & Move Forward
The sale closes, the lender accepts the proceeds, and you are released from the remaining mortgage balance — often with no deficiency judgment.
Key Facts About Short Sales in California
- California's anti-deficiency laws (SB 458) protect most homeowners from owing the remaining balance after a short sale
- A short sale typically impacts credit less severely than a foreclosure
- You may qualify for relocation assistance from your lender
- The process is free — we never charge upfront fees
- AB 2424 may give you additional time if a foreclosure sale is scheduled
Ready to Explore a Short Sale?
Time is critical. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.